Course Description:

This comprehensive online course is designed for professionals seeking to understand and apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of products, processes, and systems. Learners will be introduced to the theoretical foundations of LCA and guided through its four-step methodology: goal definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation.

To quantify and estimate environmental impacts, participants will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software tools, including Sustainable Minds and GREET. Through detailed calculations, sustainability metrics, and real-world case studies, learners will explore how LCA informs decision-making, policy development, and sustainable practices across sectors such as agriculture, biofuels, and bioplastics.

The course emphasizes the integration of LCA’s three pillars—environmental, economic, and social—ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability. Learners will also examine ethical considerations and potential biases in LCA processes and results, developing critical thinking skills to assess the effectiveness and limitations of LCA applications. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to implement LCA effectively within their organizations and contribute to sustainability goals.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Evaluate environmental impacts using the LCA methodology
• Differentiate LCA from other sustainability tools
• Analyze LCA results to inform policy and practice
• Use LCA software to conduct assessments
• Identify ethical considerations and limitations in LCA

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to sustainability and LCA methodology
• The four-step LCA process
• Software tools: Sustainable Minds and GREET
• Environmental impact quantification and analysis
• Policy development and global sustainability challenges
• Economic and social dimensions of sustainability
• Ethical considerations and real-world case studies

Intended Audience:
This course is designed for a broad range of professionals, including environmental scientists, engineers, sustainability analysts, consultants, academic researchers, and government agency staff. It is suitable for anyone seeking an introductory yet practical understanding of LCA and its applications.

Assessments Include:

• Journal reflections
• Case study analyses
• Exercises using LCA software
• Step-by-step LCA process applications

These assessments are designed to reinforce learning and provide opportunities to apply concepts in real-world contexts.

Course Procedures:
The course is asynchronous and self-paced over three months, with an estimated total commitment of 52 hours. Learners will engage with recorded lectures, readings, case studies, and software-based exercises. A teaching assistant reviews assignments, including written reflections, calculations, and scenario-based analyses.

Software Requirements:

• Sustainable Minds (student license required)
• GREET (free)
• Microsoft Office Suite

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For questions, contact Dr. Kurt Rosentrater at karosent@iastate.edu